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Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas produced as a byproduct of
the combustion of natural gas, propane, and even wood. CO detectors are highly
recommended for homes with any fuel-burning appliances because they sound alarms
when CO levels reach potentially dangerous levels. Detectors should be installed in
bedrooms and in rooms with a direct connection to combustion appliances, such as
kitchens, basements, and rooms with space heaters. Typical battery-operated CO
detectors cost between $20 and $50..
continued >
Combustion Appliances
Combustion appliances appliances
that burn natural gas, propane, oil,
kerosene, or wood are used in
millions of homes and are often
more effcient and cost-effective than
electric appliances.
Remember to carefully install and
maintain combustion appliances for
safe and effcient operation. Their
exhaust gases must be directly vented
outside. Otherwise they can leak or
release combustion products, includ-
ing deadly carbon monoxide, inside
the house.
Avoiding Moisture Problems
Means Good Ventilation
When moist air encounters a colder
surface, some of the moisture will
condense and become a liquid. This
happens on the surface of an iced
tea glass, which is why you need a
coaster to avoid water damage to
a wooden table. In a similar way,
moisture condensing inside a wall or
in the attic can lead to wood rot and
permit the growth of mold. To avoid
moisture problems and ensure good
ventilation, follow these steps:
Stop air leaks
Home moisture issues often directly
relate to uncontrolled air fow where
warm, moist air comes into contact
with cold surfaces, causing conden-
sation. Seal all air-leakage paths
between living spaces and other
unconditioned parts of the house,
such as attics, basements, and crawl
spaces. Insulation alone cannot
prevent moisture problems. See the
DOE Guide to Air Sealing at
www.energysavers.gov/publications
to learn more.
Control water
Minimize the chance of water enter-
ing your house by keeping the roof in
good condition. Check caulking and
fashing around windows, doors, tubs,
and showers. Clear roof gutters of
debris and drain moisture away from
the house.
Ventilate indoor moisture
The materials used in building a new
2,000-square-foot home contain about
six tons of water that must escape
during the frst year. Inhabitants of a
home also generate moisture when
they cook, shower, and do laundry.
Just by breathing and perspiring, a
typical family adds about three gal-
lons of water per day to their indoor
air. If a clothes dryer is not vented
outside, or if the outdoor vent is
closed off or clogged, all that mois-
ture will enter the living space, too.
Kitchen and bathroom vents
should lead directly outside and
should never be vented into
the attic, where moisture can
cause serious problems and pose
potential health problems.
Consider adding controlled
ventilation after you air seal. It
may be necessary to provide fresh
air to avoid buildup of stale air
and indoor air pollutants. Special
air-to-air heat exchangers, or
heat-recovery ventilators, can do
this. See the Whole House Fan
Technology Fact Sheet in Further
Reading at the end of this fact
sheet.
Replace unused, noisy vent fans
with quiet ENERGY STAR
models.
Have a moisture escape path
A dehumidifer can effectively
reduce moisture levels (though it
will increase your energy use).
A humidifer can provide comfort
during the winter months, but
use it only in rooms that have
suffcient air fow to ventilate
the room properly and prevent
moisture issues.
Ventilate attics appropriately. See
the DOE Guide to Durable Attics
at www.energysavers.gov/publi-
cations to learn more.
Further Reading
DOE Energy Savers: Air Sealing
www.energysavers.gov/air_sealing
ENERGY STAR on Duct Sealing
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_
improvement.hm_improvement_ducts
Homeowners Guide to Ventilation
(for cold climates)
www.nyserda.org/publications/guide.pdf
Home Ventilating Institute
www.hvi.org
Whole House Fan Technology Fact
Sheet
www.nrel.gov/docs/fy99osti/26291.pdf
Financial Incentives
Tax credits, incentives, and rebates may be
available in your area. Please visit
www.energysavers.gov/taxcredits for more
information.
EERE Information Center
1-877-EERE-INFO (1-877-337-3463)
www.energysavers.gov
Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing
at least 50% wastepaper, including 10% post consumer waste.
DOE/EE-0345 October 2010